2011 – Udayanga Weeratunga

Friday November 18th, 2011in Celebration 0 Comments 1 Likes

Relics of Lord Buddha in Russia

Sri Lanka donates Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha to Republic of Kalmykia
18th November 2011

At the dawn of the cold November morning Buddhist devotees in the Republic of Kalmykia and Russian Federation hurried to the main temple in Elista, the capital of Kalmykia, to pay homage to sacred relics of Lord Buddha from Sri Lanka. The sacred relics were sent to Kalmykia by the President of Sri Lanka H.E Mahinda Rajapaksa at a special request of former President of Kalmykia H.E. Kirsan Ilyumshinov during his visit to Sri Lanka. The sacred relics were on display to public homage for 7 days from the 18th November 2011.

The ceremony of the sacred relics was declared open by the Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Russian Federation H.E. Udayanga Weeratunga, and on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka and the President Mahinda Rajapaksa Ambassador Weeratunga congratulated the people of Kalmykia on that momentous day. Also Ambassador Weeratunga appreciated the steps taken by H.E. Kirsan Illyumshinov‐Former President of the Republic of Kalmykia and Ven. Pallekande Ratanasara Thero for the development of Buddhism in Kalmykia and promised to give utmost support from Sri Lanka.

In addition to the thousands of Buddhist devotees, Head of the State of Kalmykia Alexey Orlov, Ven. Shadzhin Lama of Kalmykia Telo Tulku Rinpoche Thero, Ven. Pallekande Ratanasara Thero and several parliamentarians, Ven. Buddhist monks and other prominent personalities paid homage to the sacred relics.

Ambassador Weeratunga also met the Head of the State of Kalmykia Alexey Orlov and discussed the development of Buddhist relations between Kalmykia and Sri Lanka

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Sunday November 13th, 2011in Receptions 0 Comments 0 Likes

Secretary of MEA in Russia

Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka visited the Russia
14th November 2011
H.E. Karunatilaka Amunugama, Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka visited the Russian Federation on the 13th of November to attend bilateral consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
On the 14th November, H.E. Amunugama had fruitful discussions with Mr. Zamir Kabulov, Director of Second Asia Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and later with Hon. Alexey Borodavkin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
Whilst welcoming the guests Mr. Zamir Kabulov congratulated Sri Lanka on the rapid development following the military defeat of terrorism in Sri Lanka. H.E. Udayanga Weeratunga, Ambassador of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation, Mr. Lal Kumara Gamage, Head of Chancery and other diplomats were present at the occasion.
Matters relating bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the Russia such as increased bilateral political visits, trade and economic relations, defence and military cooperation as well as education, culture, and technological cooperation were discussed by the two parties at the meeting. Strong cooperation between Sri Lanka and Russia at multilateral forums was also noted with satisfaction.
At the meeting of H.E. Karunatilaka Amunugama with Hon. Alexey Borodavkin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation they noted the improvements in the Sri Lanka Russia Relations in recent years and agreed to work towards strengthening trade and economic relations.
14th evening the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation organized a Reception in honor of H.E. Amunugama at the residence of H.E. Udayanga Weeratunga. H.E the Ambassador welcomed H.E the secretary and the guests with a brief welcome speech and lighting of traditional oil lamp, later Mr. Lal Kumara Gamage, Head of Chancery, highlighted the development in bilateral relations in the past years with a eye-catching presentation.
H.E. Karunatilaka Amunugama took time to visit many places of historical and cultural significance in Moscow on the 15th November 2011. Next day H.E. Amunugama visited the Embassy of Sri Lanka. During the visit H.E the Ambassador, familiarized the secretary of external affairs regarding the novel methods being used by the Embassy in the areas of financial, administrative and consular work, which has contributed to increased efficiency of the Embassy. H.E. Karunatilaka took time to speak with the staff of the Embassy during the visit.

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Wednesday October 26th, 2011in Receptions 0 Comments 0 Likes

Minister of Petroleum visits

Minister of Petroleum Industries Hon. Susil Premjayanth visits Russia
26th-31st October 2011

“Bi-lateral relationship over five decades took a new phase with the commencement of discussions concerning energy and petroleum with the pioneer of the gas and energy industry in Russia, Gasprom Company” said H.E. Udayanga Weeratunga the Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Russian Federation at the reception held in honor of Hon. Susil Premjayanth, Minister of Petroleum Industries in Sri Lanka.

Minister Premjayanth headed a delegation with the Presidential Advisor Mr. Saliya Wickramasuriya and Rumi Jaufer, Managing Director- Tourism Promotion Bureau on the 26th of October

Hon. Minister met with senior officials of the Gasprom International B.V, to continue the discussions commenced by H.E the President in 2010 in Moscow and later in St. Petersburg along with the International Economic forum in 2011.

A cordial reception was held on the 28th October in honor of the Minister and to welcome the delegation and Gasprom officials. H.E Udayanga Weeratunga emphasized the efforts taken by the Embassy of Sri Lanka to assist Russian tourists and to promote tourism in the country. He specially mentioned about the workshops and seminars conducted to the tour operators and facilitation of the media delegations to Sri Lanka and the outcomes of them, the tour guide CD prepared by the embassy was shown in addition. The ambassador presented a copy of the CD and the biography of H.E. the president written by Mr. Weeratunga to the Hon Minister.

Minister Susil Premjayanth emphasized the progress and the benefits of the outcomes of the discussions. He also said that Gasprom International B.V. agreed to start work on offshore oil exploration in the Mannar basin; initially they will send a team of technician experts for preliminary operations during the next three weeks.

Gasprom, the mother company the world’s largest extractor of natural gas, and the owner of a chain of hotels, agreed to invest $30 million in promoting tourism in assistance of achieving the target of 2.5 million tourists to Sri Lanka by 2016.

On behalf of Gasrpom International B.V, Deputy Director Mr. Alexiy Shebarshyn gave a speech and he also highlighted the effects of bi-lateral discussions and that the company is energized to commence projects in Sri Lanka.
A Dinner organized by Mrs. Uma Weeratunga was served after the reception.
Ex-Deputy Foreign Minister, Deputy Chief of Rus-Nano Mr. Alexander Losyukov, Mr. Alexiy Shebarshyn, Deputy Director, Gasrpom International B.V, senior officials of Gasrpom International B.V, senior officials representing other gas and energy companies, leading Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in Moscow and the staff of the Embassy were present at the occasion.

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Monday October 3rd, 2011in Receptions 0 Comments 0 Likes

Sri Lankan Launched Flights

Official launching of SriLankan Airlines in Russia
3rd October 2011
Sri Lankan Airlines officially launched direct flights between Moscow and Colombo. A press conference followed by a colorful reception was held at the Ritz Carlton, Moscow on the 03rd of October 2011. Government officials in Russian Federation, Sri Lankan Airlines officials, foreign Ambassadors, tour operators, Sri Lankan business community, media personnel, embassy staff and many more distinguished guests took part in the event.

Official Launching of direct flights between Moscow- Colombo commenced with a press conference with the Ambassador of Sri Lanka H.E Mr. Udayanga Weeratunga, Chairman of Sri Lankan Airlines Mr. Nishantha Wickramasinghe, Mr. G.T. Jayaseelan – Chief Marketing Officer Sri Lankan Airlines, Mr. Lal Perera – Regional Manager for Middle-east and Russia and Mr. Gamini Abeywikrama – Chairman – SriLankan LLC, Russian Federation.

A vivid dinner reception took place after the press conference with traditional dances, drum shows and video presentations. H.E the ambassador noted, in his speech, the development in the tourism industry; he also emphasized the importance of bilateral relationship and expressed gratitude all the officials of the Russian Government including the President for the assistance given in the process.

Deputy Director of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Avdiev mikolayevich pointed out the significance of Sri Lankan Airlines flying to Moscow and how it benefits both nations. The chairman of Sri Lankan Airlines Mr. Nishantha Wickramasinghe emphasized the importance of Sri Lanka as a tourist destination and the hospitality of Sri Lankan Airlines.

The dances and the drum shows took everyone’s attention. It is noteworthy that all the dances of the reception were performed by the Sri Lankan Airlines staff. The vote of thanks was given by Mr. G.T. Jayaseelan. The event was concluded in the midst of participants’ ovation.

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Wednesday September 21st, 2011in Receptions 0 Comments 0 Likes

Reception “Leisure 2011″

Reception ”Leisure 2011″
21 September, 2011
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Russian Federation, last week, launched a new website which is expected to improve customer services, at the Embassy.
The reconstruction of a new website is a general requirement and the re-designed format makes the website more user friendly, with a catalogue of invaluable information.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Ambassador Udayanga Weeratunga said the website would make access to information a lot easier and better helps its users to understand the information material.

Ambassador Weeratunga highlighted that the new home page provides news, Sri Lankan citizen services, and information on visas, among other relevant issues. He added that the website was designed to the convenience of the its users, with remarkable internet speed connections. Also he explained that this change was meant to promote better and positive communication between the embassy and the people they serve.
Ambassador Weeratunga pointed out that the home pages, such as the embassy news, contains all the latest headlines from Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka, press releases, information on schedules, holidays and events attended by the ambassador, among others.
Ambassadors and senior officials from Embassies, senior officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russian Federation and participants of the Leisure 2011 Tourism & Travel Fair 2011 also participated this ceremony. Embassy of Sri Lanka used this moment to welcome all Travel Company members who participated Leisure 2011 Travel Fair in Moscow.
Sri Lanka Tourist Board representatives together with other members of the Russian Tourism Industry also participated this reception.
Also Madam Weeratunga arranged a buffet dinner with Sri Lankan foods for the participants.

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Friday August 12th, 2011in Celebration 0 Comments 0 Likes

Pirith Ceremony in Moscow

All Night Pirith Chanting in Moscow to bless Sri Lankans
12 August 2011
Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Russian Federation conducted All Night Pirith ceremonies on 12th August and Alms Giving on 13th August to the Maha Sangha to invoke blessings on President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Government and people of Sri Lanka, tri forces personnel who sacrificed their lives and personnel who were injured in the war. This was the second and biggest religious event conducted by the Sri Lanka Mission in Russian Federation for the last 54 years of diplomatic relations between two countries.
On the invitation of Ambassador Udayanga Weeratunga the Buddhist priests led by Ven.Dr.Pallekande Ratanasara Thero in Moscow were participated in these religious ceremonies. Russian Foreign Ministry officials, Ambassador & Diplomats from the SAARC and CIS Embassies and Sri Lankans living in Moscow were participated this Pirith Chanting. These Buddhist monks were conducted to the Ambassador’s Residence in a procession with the participation of distinguished invitees, Sri Lankan business community and students, who carried a national flag and Buddhist flags, Sesath, along with Kandian dances performed by the Sri Lankan students of the Tver State Medical Academy. The Pirith chanting was done within “Pirith Mandapaya” erected in traditional Sri Lankan style in the main hall of the Ambassador’s Residence, with the participation of a number of representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Buddhist Missions in Moscow, other religious dignitaries, as well as Russian Buddhist devotees.

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Friday August 5th, 2011in Meeting 0 Comments 0 Likes

Minister of Civil Aviation visits

Bilateral discussion between Hon. P. Jayaratne and Hon. Igor Levitin
5th August 2011

Hon. Piyankara Jayaratne, Minister of Civil Aviation of Sri Lanka held bilateral discussions with Hon. Igar Levitin, Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation on 05th August 2011 during Hon. Minister’s visit to Moscow.

Welcoming Hon. Piyankara Jayaratne, Hon. Igar Levitin explained that Agreement on Air Services between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation has already agreed by both parties for signature and their Ministry already taken approval to sign it. Also he mentioned that the Russian national carrier, Aeroflot Russian airline are ready to commence their flights to Colombo end of this year.

Hon Piyankara Jayaratne thanked Hon. Igar Levitin for giving the opportunity to meet during the short visit to Moscow and he briefed about the aviation industry in Sri Lanka after the defeat of terrorism in May 2009. He explained the 2nd phrase of development project of Bandaranayake International airport has been completed and new eco friendly International Airport is under construction at Mattala, Hambantota in accordance with ICAO standards and environmental friendly manner.

He also thanked the government of Russia for re- commencing the Aeroflot Airlines operation to Colombo twice a week from October 2011.

Hon. Minister also mentioned the commencement of Sri Lankan Airlines operations from the 17th of September 2011 and the Regional office of SriLankan Airlines is already functioning in Moscow.

During the meeting, the request for additional 3 frequencies per week on the route of Colombo –Moscow-Colombo was handed over to the Minister of Transport and he agreed to consider the Sri Lanka’s request.

Hon. Minister Jayaratne invited, the Minister of Transport as a guest of honor to the opening ceremony of the new international airport in Hambontota in 2012 on behalf of H.E. the President of Sri Lanka.

After a fruitful meeting Ministers exchanged gifts. The Ambassador presented the book “President Mahinda Rajapaksa- Leadership” to the Minister of Transport.

H.E. Udayanga Weeratunga, Ambassador of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation, Mr. Dhammika Attyagalle, Adviser to the Minister of Civil Aviation ,Mr. Lal Kumara Gamage, Head of Chancery,Group Capt. Prashntha Payoe, Consular Defense- and Mrs. Chandima Abeyrathna, Commercial Secretary were present at the meeting.

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Thursday August 4th, 2011in Meeting 0 Comments 0 Likes

Minister of Civil Aviation-Kiev

Sri Lanka signed Bilateral Air Services Agreement with Ukraine
04thAugust 2011
Bilateral Agreement on Air Services between Sri Lanka and Ukraine was signed at the Ministry of Transport of Ukraine on 04th of August 2011. The agreement was signed by Hon. Piyankara Jayaratne, Minister of Civil Aviation on behalf of Sri Lanka and Mr. Anatoli Kolinsnyk, Chairman of the State of Aviation Administration of Ukraine on behalf of Ukraine, in the presence of H.E. Mr. Udayanga Weeratunga, Ambassador of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation (Concurrently accredited to Ukraine) and Mr. Dhammika Attygalle adviser to Minister of Civil Aviation of Sri Lanka
Addressing the occasion, Hon Minister Jayaratne, explained the progress of the new eco-friendly international airport in Hambantota which is done without disturbing the environment with all modern facilities and in accordance with the ICAO standards.
Hon. Minister appreciated the commencement of flight operations of Ukraine International Airlines to Sri Lanka; as a result of bilateral talks conducted, during the visit of H.E. the President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2010.

A special invitation was extended to Hon. Minister to visit Ukraine for the European Cup Football Tournament, which will be held in 2012.

Afterward Hon. Piyankara Jayaratna, Minister of Civil Aviation met with Mr. Alexender Avdeev, General Director of Aerosvit Ukrainian Airlines, during his visit to Ukraine on 04th August 2011.

While being pleased about the bilateral agreement on air services between Sri Lanka and Ukraine, Mr. Avdeev stated that AeroSvit Ukraine Airline will commence flights between Kiev and Colombo in the near future strengthening the air services between two countries.

He further revealed that Aerosvit Company will increase the frequency of flights 2 to 3 per week considering the number of tourists traveling to Sri Lanka from Ukraine.

The Hon. Minister explained the facilities provided to the tourist arriving to Sri Lanka and also the infrastructural development taking place to achieve the goal of attracting 2 million tourists to Sri Lanka by 2016. He also thanked the Aviation industry of Ukraine for facilitating the Ukrainian tourists to Sri Lanka.

The General Director of AeroSvit Airlines, promised to provide all technical and non- technical support to SriLankan Airlines if the airline commences flights to Borispol International Airport in Kiev. He also stated that the company is willing to commence flights to Europe in collaboration with SriLankan Airlines. Appreciating the offer, Hon. Minister Jayartne stated that the matter will be discussed with the Government and the national carrier and agreed to make necessary arrangements in the near future.

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Russia (Concurrence accredited to Ukraine) H.E. Mr. Udayanga Weeratunga and Mr. Dhammika Attygalle adviser to Minister of Civil Aviation of Sri Lanka were also attended the meeting.

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Tuesday July 12th, 2011in Meeting 0 Comments 0 Likes

Initial of air services agreement

Final negotiations for an Air-Services Agreement with Russia
12th- 16th July 2011
An official delegation of Ministry of Civil Aviation of Sri Lanka visited Moscow on 12th to 16th July 2011 for the final negotiations to conclude a new air services agreement between Sri Lanka and Russia.
Mr. Oleg Demidov, Deputy Director of the Department of State Policy in Civil Aviation, Ministry of Transport of Russia welcomed the Sri Lankan delegation led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation Mr. Ranjith De Silva on the 14th July 2011 at the Ministry of Transportation in the Russian Federation.

Whilst expressing gratitude to the Russian Government for the support extended to Sri Lanka in every sphere and to the opportunity given to have negotiations, he also said that the Sri Lankans parties are looking forward to conclude the Air Services Agreement between the two countries, along with, he stated, commencement of direct flights between the two countries would lead to strengthen of bilateral relationship on the fields of trade, tourism and investment.
The negotiations concluded with the heads of the delegations signing a Memorandum of Understanding and initialing the finalized agreement. Both parties agreed to take prompt action to complete the relevant internal procedures with a vision to sign the agreement at an early date.

H.E. Udayanga Weeratunga, Ambassador of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation, Mr. K.V.P. Ranjith De Silva- Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Mr. G.S. Withanage, Mr. M.C.L.B. Gopallawa, Mrs. Tilanie Silva, Mr. P.P. Jayaweera, Mr. S.N. Senanayake, and diplomats from the Embassy were present at the occasion.

H.E. the Ambassador hosted a dinner for the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Transport in Russian Federation and the Sri Lankan delegation. Mr. Ranjith De Silva said he is grateful and cherished the Ambassador and the embassy staff for the contribution shown.

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Sunday July 10th, 2011in Meeting 0 Comments 0 Likes

Degree award ceremony 2011

Sri Lankan students graduated from State Universities in Russia & CIS
July 2011

111 Sri Lankan students have graduated in General Medicine and other specialties from State Universities in Russia Belarus and Ukraine during summer 2011. The Embassy congratulates the students and wishes them success in the future.

Degree with Honors:
Wijeratnam Mayuri, Sivarajah Mathumiya, Gobica Kulendran, M. Gayan Nalaka Jayawardane, R. A. Shashika Lakmali Ranaweera Arachchi

Kursk State Medical University Russia
W R A B. Nimali Ratnayake, K. G. Sudesh Chaminda, M. Z. Mohamed Sarfraz, Wijeratnam Mayuri, Sivarajah Mathumiya, Gobica Kulendran
Velautham Saravanan, Sivajanani Shanmuganathan, Kandasamy Niluja, MahendranAgaljan, Sharvanandha Sinthuja, Shoruba Gunaratnam, Pasan Chinthaka Jayaweera, Thirimanna Hettige, Sajith Antony Karunaratna, Vithanage Hashini Madhavi, Silwath Pathirannahelage, Sandya Kumudu Pathirana, Kavikara Hewage Manjula, Yauwanthi Wickramanayake, H. M. Waruni Nisansala Herath, R. N. Samaranayake, M. B. Nuwan Kumara, K.A.D. Sharon Harshani, Ishani Madushika Nanayakkara, H. G. Madushika Lokuarachchi, D.P. Iyan Chamikara, D. M. C. D. Dissanayake, B. M. S. U. M. Bohingamuwa, Asanka Lakmali Dolahaamuna, P. G. L. C. Karunarathne, Adarasa luxshanan, Sachith Sepala Dahanayake, Sriranganathan Peethamparam, E. Ruwantha Edirisinghe, W. A. S. A. Wijayalath, A. S. Wickramarathne, Ameer Hamza Mohamed Haares, Sriskantharajah Lakshmanan, Sylvester Percy Rajiv, J. M. Harshani Pavithra

Tver State Medical Academy Russia
Kunaratnam pratheepan, Ratshaayini rathinakumar, R. A. D. Udesh Ranasinghe, Shamali Zyhana Zarook, Thisari Warunika Amarakoon, Fathima Sarah Fazy, B. S. N. Iroshini Dayarathna, Dissanayake Pitiyage Buddhika, Anusha Udayanganie, Ajith Kumar, R. A. D. Kasun Sanjeewa, A. M. A. I. Gunathilaka, G. W. C. Nishamanie De Alwis, P. S. Dilmini Silva, W. A. Nilangi Hiranyamala, Thushara Gimhanie Amarasinghe, R.M. Nilangi Senarath, Kekulthotuwage Pujitha Delan, T. Mihira Dhanushka De Silva, W. M. H. Fahmy, N. M. Manchanayake, Suranja Mahesh Liyanwela, K. W. K. Shiran Mathanga, H.P. Nadeera Oshadee, Vidhana Gamage Suranga, W. Deshika Samandha, W. R. Dilan Amila Kumara, H. M. Saman Dharmasena, I. D. Niranga C. Gunarathna, D. M. R. M. Premarathna

Smolensk State Medical University Russia
M. Gayan Nalaka Jayawardane, R. A. S. L. Ranaweera Arachchi, K. B. G. D. S. Wijerathna, H. M. Ayomi Indu Gunasena

St. Petersburg Pediatric Medical Academy Russia
P. K. Gayan Gimuthu Perera, H. Kashan Madushanka, Yeshan Chamaranath Guruge, D. C. R. Wijesundara

St. Petersburg State Medical Academy Russia
Ellel Muruganandan, M. N. M. Fezzan, M. S. S. Mohammed

Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy Russia
Julian Joe Anuja, M. A. Nimalsiri Kamalika Eshani, T. H. Dinesha Dharshani, Ranasinghe Ashan Inuka, R.P. A. N. Tilakeratne, W.A. D. L. R. Wickramathilaka, P. L. Dilani Maduwanthi, Rizvy Musthapha Faadhil,

Ryazan State Medical University Russia
Mamangarajah Harithwarna, Selvanathan Lalithkumar, Najeeb Fathima Sherina

Volgograd State Medical University Russia
K. A. Ravindra Kumara

Saratov State Medical University Russia
Varnakulasingam Pravarnatheepan

Vitebsk State Medical University Belarus
Arsalingam Jageethan, W. Thilaksha D. Silva, W. Suhara lakshani Silva, M. S. Kodithuwakku, Ramathas Nishanthan

Gomel State Medical University Belarus
W.A. D N. Weerasinghe, Upul Chaminda Hewage

Grodno State Medical University Belarus
K. M.D. N. S. Ariyadasa

Lugansk State Medical University Ukraine
Mahendrarajah Pradeepan, S.Selvan Udayakumar, Rajaram Mayuran, Balasubramaniam Vijayatheepan

Zaparozhye State Medical University Ukraine
S. T. M. S. Zahrick

Other Specialties
Russian Chemical and Technological University named after D.I. Mendeleev
A. A. N. samadi Alwis, Venkadesakurukkal Jeyanthan

Tambov State Technical University
M. L. A. K. Randima Weerakoon

Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia
Warunie Abeysekara

Moscow Automobile and Road Construction Technical University
H. M. T. L. Hathurusinghe, A. Duminda Gayan